Hawkeyes land four-star LB

Ending his silence, four-star linebacker Jeremiha Hunter emerged on Saturday to announce his verbal commitment to the Iowa Hawkeyes. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Hunter, who has not spoken publicly about his recruiting in almost two months, made his announcement on ESPNU.

The linebacker, who Rivals.com ranks as the No. 78 top prospect overall this year, was asked where he will begin his college career.

"It will begin at the University of Iowa," said Hunter.

Hunter, who ranks as the No. 4 prep in the state of Pennsylvania this year, chose the Hawkeyes over scholarship offers from Tennessee, Penn State, and UConn, among others. In his TV announcement, the four-star linebacker said it was Iowa's patience during his recruiting really stood out when making his decision.

"Coach Ferentz and his staff, they've been really patient throughout the whole process," Hunter told the ESPNU audience. "They were just so laid back and cool. They never pressed me at all and they let me wait (and decide) on my time."

HawkeyeReport.com spoke with Jeremiha Hunter's father, Brian, this evening to confirm the commitment. According to Mr. Hunter, Jeremiha will be available for us to interview sometime tomorrow, so please stay tuned this weekend for much more on his decision.

Rivals.com ranks Hunter as the No. 78 top prospect in the nation this year, the No. 6 outside linebacker in the country, and the No. 4 prep in the state of Pennsylvania.